Tangled

In 2001, animator Glen Keane pitched an idea to adapt Rapunzel on the big screen. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner approves, but on one condition, make it fully computer generated in order to compete with DreamWorks’ “Shrek.” Glen however, said no. He was hesitant about computer animation isn’t fluid as traditional animation. It took nearly a decade for Rapunzel took get her own movie. In 2007, Glen wrote a blueprint as Disney’s own version of Shrek without going overboard mocking Disney itself. A year later Glen stepped down after suffering a heart attack in order to recover. He gives Nathan Greno & Bryon Howard his blessing. After two years of crafting a cohesive narrative, recruiting Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi as the lead stars, hiring Dan Fogelman due to his experience with “Cars,” animators working their butts off using all their maximum effort to polish computer animation etc. “Tangled” was officially distributed worldwide.

Tangled was released in 2010. (same year Black Swan came out) It earned critical acclaim from critics, families and movie goers alike. Plus, it made enough revenue at the box office. Tangled became an eligible nominee at “The 83rd Academy Awards” for “Best Original Song.” It’s a shame it wasn’t nominated for “Best Animated Film.” Tangled later spawned an animated series titled, “Tangled: Before Ever After,” a short film titled, “Tangled Ever After” and was included as a playable world in “Kingdom Hearts III.”

Several Disney movies are getting remade including “Snow White,” “Pinocchio,” “Peter Pan,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Hunchback Of Notre Dame,” “Bambi,” “Robin Hood” & “Hercules.” I want to share my thoughts on Tangled if it still holds up as one of my favorite animated Disney films before the aforementioned remakes come out.

Original Animated Movies such as “Raye And The Last Dragon” & “Encanto” are slated to be released in 2021.

Today’s review doesn’t contain no crucial SPOILERS listed. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article.

Pretty & Ugly Qualities

Pretty: Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi both did a fantastic job for their respective voiceover performances as Rapunzel & Flynn Rider.

Fun Fact: Zachary stated the reason he wanted to participate in an animated Disney movie is because he wanted to reprise his role as Flynn in a “Kingdom Hearts” game. He got his wish in the third game of the series.

Other Cast Members such as Donna Murphy, Brad Garrett, Jeffery Tambor, Ron Perlman & the late Richard Kiel all did a great job for their respective voiceover performances.

Dan Fogelman (Crazy Stupid Love, This Is Us) wrote the script. Mandy later co-starred in “This Is Us.”

My favorite character is Pascal. I’m gonna say this once, he is adorable whenever hilarity ensues. He deserves an Extra Point per cute moment.

Chemistry between Rapunzel & Flynn serve as the main highlight. No early romance didn’t feel forced. Thank god they properly get to know one another.

Unlike boring Disney couple Aurora & Prince Phillip from “Sleeping Beauty,” both Rapunzel & Flynn have distinctive personalities. One is a cheerful princess capable of defending herself with a frying pan, the other is a charismatic thief who wants to make a fortune.

Character Development involving Rapunzel & Flynn. As the film progresses, they begin to change.

Computer Animation looked gorgeous. Thanks to its cutting edge photorealistic technology rendering character models, environmental locations, the world, fluid movement among many other elements creating a living and breathing film. Now y’all know why Tangled is the most expensive animated movie ever made worth $260 million. This is why Disney finally got their act together after “Chicken Little” failed without maximum effort.

Jokes are filled with slapstick, witty dialogue, visual gags and subverting tropes common in Disney films.

Disney veteran Alan Menken orchestrated the film and wrote songs.

Musical Numbers are memorable to sing-a-long. My favorite one is the Oscar nominated song, “I See The Light.”

The Walt Disney Animated Logo has the number 50. Meaning Disney’s animation company celebrates a milestone in the company’s 50th animated film.

Opening Scene establishes the story and mood.

One scene pays homage to the cable drop scene from “Mission Impossible.” Tom Cruise’s spy movie “Knight & Day” came out in 2010.

Somebody jumps when Bullet Time (slow motion) is used. Coincidentally, Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” used effective Bullet Time. Plus, it came out in 2010.

A character quotes, “I’ve got to get me one of these.” A reference to one of my favorite films, “Independence Day.”

Mother Gothel’s evil motivation is to use Rapuznel’s hair in order to make her feel young as a way to cheat death. Seeing her aging back is a metaphor for drug addiction.

Flynn’s personality is based on Errol Flynn (Robin Hood) & Han Solo.

Gothel’s appearance is designed after Cher.

Maximus is named after Russell Crowe’s character from “Gladiator.” Ridley Scott & Russell collaborated again in “Robin Hood.” Also released in 2010.

Without giving too much away, one of the lead characters reveals his/her real name.

I can’t tell you how it ends. You’re gonna have to see for yourself.

If you’re looking for a special treat, the short film “Tangled Ever After” takes place afterwards.

Ugly: I’m gonna be brutally honest with you guys and gals, I couldn’t find nothing wrong with this movie. I’m giving The Cast & Crew an Extra Point for all their hard work creating the most expensive animated movie of all time.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Tangled remains as one of my favorite Disney films of all time. Every single positive thing I’ve listed, indicates why Tangled is an instant classic. I also have to give credit for Tangled as Disney’s comeback in making grand scale musicals. If you haven’t got a chance to see it, stream it on Disney Plus right now. I hope a sequel is in the works. If not, I want a Disney Plus series centering around Pascal & Maximus.